What's in a $900 Face Cream Anyway?

Ever entertained the idea of spending half your paycheck on a moisturizer? Before you hand over your plastic, find out what makes expensive creams so pricey

The Newcomer: Lancôme Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir, $350 for 1.7 ouncesThe Research: Lancôme spent 10 years working on Absolue L'Extrait and, in the process, developed a new, environmentally-friendly technique for harvesting plant cells. It's called Fermogenesis, and they're the only ones to have this technology.

The Ingredients: The Lancôme Rose -- a specific rose variety and also the Lancôme symbol -- is what makes this cream so special. Each jar contains up to two million rose native cells, which, in turn, help skin cells regenerate.

The Packaging: When it came time to design the container, Lancôme looked to their archives -- from the year 1936. They modeled this hefty black and gold jar after their first iconic cream, Nutrix. Absolue L'Extrait also comes with a stainless steel "petal" -- a spoon-like tool you can use to apply the moisturizer. Because of the unique shape of the jar and extra space needed for the petal, Lancôme commissioned special boxes for the cream, and each jar is packaged by hand.

Our Take: "The smell is ridiculously divine, and the light cream absorbs quickly into the skin. I felt moisturized with no residue, and could see a bit more radiance after using it. I didn't notice more firmness or elasticity, but I only had enough for a week. I'd definitely use it again." -- Beth Mayall-Traglia, Editor-in-Chief

No, no, no. ALL of these expensive creams have jar packaging. Even if these including miraculous antioxidants they would be void after exposure to oxygen. Not to mention the constant dipping your fingers into the jar exposing bacteria to the solution. The only true miracle ingredient is retinol, which you need to use meticulously, along with a hefty dosage of SPF to prevent further damage. Otherwise you need to see a plastic surgeon for more dramatic results.

Okay, I admit I love my creams but there is no way I would pay anything near nine hundred. Eating healthy and applying a good lotion and lots of water will do much more for you. Plus you will have a lot more money to go out dancing with. See, cheaper and better for you.